gēng

to change or replace

HSK 3

漢字分解

Usage of

The character (gēng) has two main functions in Mandarin Chinese. First, it is used as an adverb meaning "more" or "even more," to indicate an increased degree or extent of something. For example, in sentences like "天气" (the weather is even colder), it emphasizes a comparative increase.

Second, can function as a verb meaning "to change" or "to replace." This usage often appears in contexts involving swapping or upgrading items, such as "手机" (to replace a phone).

Common Collocations

  • (gèng hǎo): better, used to express improvement.
  • (gēnghuàn): to replace or change something.
  • 更加 (gèngjiā): even more, used for emphasis.

Notes

When used as an adverb, usually precedes adjectives or verbs to intensify their meaning. It is more formal and stronger than just using (hěn). When used as a verb, it often appears in compound words like . Avoid confusing with (hái), which also means "still" or "more," but has different nuances.

Understanding these uses will help learners use naturally in both descriptive and action contexts.

例文

天气越来越冷了,我们需要穿得更暖和。

Tiānqì yuè lái yuè lěng le, wǒmen xūyào chuān de gèng nuǎnhuo.

The weather is getting colder and colder, we need to dress more warmly.

他决定更换手机,因为旧的坏了。

Tā juédìng gēnghuàn shǒujī, yīnwèi jiù de huài le.

He decided to replace his phone because the old one was broken.

请你更努力一点,成绩会更好。

Qǐng nǐ gèng nǔlì yīdiǎn, chéngjì huì gèng hǎo.

Please work harder, your results will be better.